The New Nation - Internet Edition

Sheikh Arif Bulbon

Zaid Islam is a freelance photographer and curator. He is currently a student of photojournalism at Pathshala. His curatorial projects include 'Baliyati Palace at Alliance Francaise in 2006. Recognition of a photographer Zaid Islam is hardly a pertinent introduction of a man who snapped photos at a time when the nation was mourning the after-effects of a natural disaster named 'SIDR.' Observing one year of the cyclone SIDR, Zaid presented a solo photo exhibition from that time and it was a personal diary where he shared his emotions and experiences of the first nine days.

The exhibition was held from November 15 to 23 at Chhobir Haat at Shahbagh, opposite of the Institute of Fine Arts of Dhaka University. The show was held at an alternative open gallery, which is a free space for artists to display and sell their work designed after the weekly 'Haat' concept of rural Bangladesh.

November 15, 2007 is a black day in our history. The country lost many of its people. Thousands of houses were ruined, as were paddy fields, woods, livestock and villages. Zaid Islam left the city and went to Shoronkhola to document the devastation. The images portrayed the woes of thousands in the coastal areas - who had been rendered homeless after SIDR and were desperately in need of relief. But relief materials had not reached the areas yet.

Zaid in his diary said, "My photographer colleagues started for the coastal areas on the afternoon of November 15, 2007. But I was still hoping that the storm would not be so serious. This was an emotion shared by millions of people, because just a few weeks earlier there had been a false alarm by the meteorological office. After the storm had hit with full force, which was 260km per hour, it destroyed thousands of homes and families in the south-western region of Bangladesh, and also the national power grid failed. Sundarban mangrove forest absorbed a huge impact somewhat protecting us."

"I remained in Dhaka as I was already booked for a wedding assignment. As wedding dates are set months ahead with hall bookings etc., the bride's family could not cancel at the last moment because of SIDR and lack of electricity. The wedding took place 24 hours after the storm with backup generators. Before leaving Dhaka for Shoronkhola, I noticed that there was a party on November 17 at the Winter Garden of Hotel Sheraton called 'Sirocco.' The organisers assured their guests on November 16 with this message - "Amongst all the current confusion in Bangladesh, we the management would just like to point out that - Sirocco is happening ……." Zaid mentioned these statements in his diary.

"Overwhelming mixed emotions fill me as I look at my images from that period. The contrast between images of Dhaka festivity and devasted coastal life reminds me of competing death tolls. The official figure was 3,268, while Red Crescent has estimated over 10,000 dead. Helicopter drop-offs look great through the lens. Relief activities were done more efficiently by some organisations. Others were more interested in fulfilling responsibilities, but not concerned with effectiveness. At the end of my diary I still find energy - we are survivors - never give up," stated Zaid in his diary.

Zaid photographed personal stories of the SIDR victims with sensitivity and empathy. The images documented the external and internal losses. With the destruction of their homes, paddy fields and livestock, these people have also lost their near and dear ones. The most unfortunate sight being that of a child who has lost both parents in the tragic incident.

Basically Zaid presented a vivid scenario of the devastated situation of the cyclone SIDR. On a very individual level, the other tragedy is that many of these people were critically injured - some have lost body parts. Zaid's photographs reflected his humane side and urged to do something for those who have lost everything.

Zaid's photographs are on display at the campus of the Business Administration Department of the University of Asia Pacific (UAP) at Dhanmondi in the city. M Zahirul Islam Russell, a senior student of the Business Administration Department of the UAP, initiated the five-day show. Shahriar Anam, Head of the Business Administration Department of UAP, inaugurated the exhibition on November 26. The exhibition remains open from 9:00am to 9:00pm till November 30.